4.6
AROMA 9/10 APPEARANCE 5/5 TASTE 9/10 PALATE 5/5 OVERALL 18/20
Shmaltz
Brewing has been making Jewish-themed beers under the “He’Brew” moniker
for nearly two decades. It makes sense that they would eventually
change it up a bit and do a “She’Brew” beer. Though I was surprised that
a huge 11% ABV 110 IBU “Triple” IPA would be the first brew to bear
that name. There’s certainly nothing girly about this beer, though. It’s
big and bold with a taste that’s bitter as hell and yet very sweet
(insert metaphor for women here).
I poured a 22oz bottle into an official Shmaltz snifter. It was bottled on 3/30/15 and cost $12 ($0.55 per ounce).
Appearance: Copper/amber hue with a very clear body and visible carbonation. Pours to a large, off-white, frothy head which retains and laces tremendously well.
Smell: Lush tropical fruit juice aroma; some sappy pine resin as well. Minor alcohol presence.
Taste: This is one of those beers that’s simultaneously sweet and hoppy to both extremes. Clearly, a lot of malt went into this brew. But it’s not of the darky fruit variety like a barleywine or old ale; this is the lighter amber-style malt of an imperial IPA. According the label, two-row, victory, Marris Otter, acidulated malt and flaked oats make up the malt bill with Calypso, Citra, Crystal and Amarillo hops accounting for bitterness and aroma. Though juicy-smelling, the hops create for sticky, piney/resin flavor and accompanying bitterness. Slightly grassy as well with a touch of funk or spice. It’s constantly sweet as well, with alcohol also playing a key role as it acts as a desiccant for the dank hops and cloying maltiness. Overall, this is a very interesting and impressive recipe and hopefully the first of many future incarnations.
Drinkability: I usually approach beers over 9% ABV with hesitation. Originally, friends were supposed to help me get through the 22oz bottle of this 11% ABV beer, but they couldn’t make it. I decided to do it myself and was pleasantly surprised (shocked, really) by how quickly and easily I was able to down an entire bottle. The mouthfeel is indeed thick and chewy with a sticky/bitter aftertaste. Yet, it’s refreshing while in the mouth. The alcohol creates for noticeable warmth, but it’s not distracting. I recommend drinking Shmaltz She’Brew Triple IPA at fridge temp.
Grade: 10/10
